Ducati Squad Fired Up For Phillip Island

Casey Stoner is looking forward to his home race in Phillip Island this week after making his return to MotoGP in Portugal.

The Australian missed the previous three races due to being diagnosed with anemia and an inflammation of the stomach lining.

Despite missing three rounds, Stoner came back with fighting form taking second place in Portugal.

“In Portugal I was able to get to the end of the race weekend without problems, just the predictable tiredness after a full MotoGP race, following two months of inactivity,” said Stoner. “So maybe I’ll be a bit more ready for Phillip Island now.

“Besides that the temperature down there is a bit colder than other races we go to and that suits better my physical conditions at the moment. The track is awesome – it’s fast, flowing and there isn’t really a section that the riders don’t enjoy.

“Normally races are fantastic there. I’ve had a dream run over the last couple of years but this one is going to be a little different so we have just to wait and see what we can do.”

Stoner’s Ducati team-mate Nicky Hayden is fired up ahead of the weekend and is looking to make progress towards the front.

“I wish we were at Phillip Island today! It’s a track and place I really like,” said Hayden. “The track is great – it’s fast, flowing and a lot of fun. I hope we can get some decent weather because the place can be really challenging when its cold – there are not so many right hand corners so it can take a few laps to heat and scuff the right side of the tyre.

“I also enjoy the flyaways at the end of the year because it’s a little different atmosphere with all the teams traveling together and staying in the same hotels – you see a different side of people.

“So we got three more races left before the end of the season and I really hope and need to make another step up toward the front. I really need to dig deep and try to make it happen.”